Cats in Puna

[Bart Wright]

we're moving over soon from the mainland, our cats have been indoors most of their lives. Any issues relating to safety? Wondering if we should let them roam or keep them inside and on the screened-in lanai. Any thoughts?

[kalakoa]

1. Make sure your cats are "pre-cleared" or they will sit in quarantine (on Oahu, at your expense). Ask your vet. I would never wish quarantine on any pet.

2. Letting them roam is highly variable per subdivision, local density, and whether your yard is fenced. Generally, it's just roaming dogs and territory issues with other cats; there's no possum or raccoon to fight with, and the pigs don't pay any attention to cats.

[Bart Wright]

thanks for that, we've been through all the shots and paper work. we lost one that was attacked by something in our back yard (South Carolina), got sick and died in about three month. This sounds great, thanks

[nana valley]

Having moved here with two cats, I can give you a perspective from my cats' eyes. They lived in gopher country and hunted gophers for 6 years on 10 acres and were in "heaven". They didn't care about the cold winters. But then their owner decided we are all moving to "paradise" and never be cold again and you kitties will just love the jungle to play and hide in while watching the world go by. OH NO!!!! My cats have been here two years and one is permanently inside because she has never accepted the vegetation, the smells, the earth quivers. And the other cat hates the fact he no longer has the huge hunting grounds he once had. He also can't accept the Hawaii environment and stays in the immediate 9000 sq. foot lot and no further.

You might see more response if you post this question on the Punatalk general forum. I might add that my gopher killer does continue to kill critters on top of the ground in the form of rats and mice! And there are so many dogs that are used for security purpose. Many aren't neutered and if they run loose, especially at night, your cats will be fair game. So a fenced yard would be good for safety for your cats. And if you have close neighbors, those neighbors may not appreciate your cats using their garden soil for a potty. So the roaming question you had...well, consider neighbors. Obviously, you care for your cats or you wouldn't be bringing them with you. Take the time to create a safe environment for them here in a new and strange land.

That all being said, your cats may adapt easier. Maybe others will post here and give you their perspective. Also, be sure you keep them in the house for more than a week!! The smells and sounds are different here. If they get scared and run too soon after moving to the island, they will be lost. There is a family who moved here four months ago with two cats and the first night in their home , both cats found a hole in a screen and escaped. One cat was found a month later but so emaciated, it had to be put down. The second has never been found. So please, go the extreme to protect them for awhile.

He who hoots with owls at night cannot soar with the eagles in the morning.

[steve1]

I agree with Nana Valley. If you care for your cats you must keep them safe. Lots of dogs here.

[terracore]

I would recommend keeping your cats indoors. On our street, many of us have chickens and have to dispatch the cats we see attacking them.